GUWAHATI: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated and laid the foundation for 12 impactful projects in the state on Monday, January 6 as a part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to boost Assam's fisheries sector. These projects, with a total cost of ₹41.94 crore, including a central share of ₹33.20 crore, aim to enhance the state's fisheries infrastructure, productivity, and employment opportunities.
ALSO READ: Assam’s Uma Chetry Selected For National Women’s ODI Team
One of the most notable projects is the establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park in Darrang District. The park is expected to produce 150 metric tonnes of fish annually, generating an estimated revenue of ₹10 to ₹15 crore and creating up to 2,000 job opportunities for the local community. This project is part of a broader effort to improve aquaculture and fishing infrastructure in the region.
Additionally, Assam will see the construction of a large fish feed plant in Kamrup, which is set to produce 20,000 metric tonnes of fish feed annually. This initiative will contribute to strengthening the aquaculture sector by ensuring a steady supply of quality feed. Moreover, hatchery projects across several districts aim to produce 50 million spawn per year, further boosting the local aquaculture industry.
These initiatives are part of a broader vision to transform Assam into a leader in India's fisheries and aquaculture sector. The state has abundant freshwater resources, and the government's targeted investments under PMMSY are set to improve both the scale and sustainability of fish production.
The implementation of these projects comes at a time when the state’s inland fish production has witnessed a notable increase. From 4.03 lakh tonnes in 2014-15, the figure is expected to reach 6.41 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, marking an impressive annual growth rate of 5%.
The government has allocated ₹2,114 crore for fisheries development across the Northeastern region, which will directly benefit Assam's fisheries infrastructure and the livelihoods of its fishing communities.
